Building system



Aug. 7, y1934. H. T. FISHER I '1,969,125

BUILDING SYSTEM Filed March 19. 1932L 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 5R15 r; WMM@ Aug. 7, 1934. H. T. FISHER BUILD-ING SYSTEM Filed March 19. 1932 3 Sl'xeets-Shee'b 5 75l/@utor- Patented Aug. 7, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 10 Claims.

- This invention relates to improvements in buildving systems, and more particularly to systems for building houses or similar structures by means of building units previously fabricated in proper shapes and sizes to be assembled on the building site.

In carrying out my invention, I provide as principal features thereof a series of relatively large vertical and horizontal panels made of sheet metal. The vertical panels which form the outer walls are of three basic types,blank wall, window and door,-but are all of standard size and shape so` as to be interchangeable with each other in order to permit wide variations in architectural plan and design. The horizontal panels are also `of standard sizes and provide floor and roof. My improved system is especially adapted for two or three-stored buildings, and both the vertical and horizontal panels are ordinarily selfsustaining, that is to say, no separate structural frame nor interior bearing partitions are required, vprovided. the horizontal span is kept within reasonable limits, as for instance, less than approximately 30 feet. It will' be understood, however, that my improved system is equally well adapted for other types of structure such as garages, small factories or the like.

My invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a house constructed in accordance with my improved building system.

Figure 2 is partial rst and second floor plans of the house shown in Figure l.

Figure 3 is a perspective view from nthe rear or inside of a blank wall panel, with insulation omitted, comprising one. of the main structural elements of my system. l r

Figure 4 is a vertical section of the blank wall panel shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is aperspective view, from the front or outside, of a window panel comprising another main structural element, but with an upper portion broken away to show a rear brace structure.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a floor or roof panel, with an intermediate portion omitted.

Figure' 8 is a perspective view filler strip.

Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 2, with intermediate parts broken away, showing the method of bolting ad- W of a floor or roof jacent wall, floor and roof panels together, but with interior insulation o r finish omitted.

Figure 10 is an enlarged vertical section of a window panel shown in Figure 5, but including fragmentary portions of the insulation and interior nish applied thereto.

Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical section of a door panel. l

Figure 12 is an enlarged horizontal section showing a standard form of joint between adjacent wall panels, together with interior insulation applied thereto.

Figure 13 is a horizontal section of a corner unit used in connection with the upright panels.`

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the method of assembling the corner unit, filler piece and vertical and horizontal panels with the parts in relative position before assembly.

Figure 15 is a detail section taken on line 15--15 of Figure 13 and with the. parts shown in Figure 14 in assembled position.

Referring now to details of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawings, my imstory and consisting of three basic types, namely,

blank wall panels" 12, 12, window panels 13, 13 and door panel 11. It will be understood that the terms window and door-panels as herein used refer to such panels in which the windows or doors are incorporated as a fundamental part of their respective panels. That is to say, the window or door "panel in each case refers to the full size, building element which includes a window or door, rather than to an intermediate section or panel of a window or do'or, as the term fpanel is sometimes used. v

As generally employed in the building system, -the'vertical panels forming the outer walls of the building are load-bearing and self-supporting. In other words, they are sufficiently strong in vertical compression to support the weight of superimposed fioors, roofs and walls without separate framework, or other supports either internally or externally, provided the horizontal span between a bearing walls is kept within reasonable limits, less preferably made of pressed metal with the center portion v17 substantially flat and entirely surrounded with a right angle flanged portion 18 ar.- ranged so as to abut and be connected to adjacent panels. In the preferred form shown, the inner margin of the flanges 18 are provided with a recurrent flange 19 extending inwardly in a plane substantially parallel with the main panel surface 17. The entire panel structure above described is preferably made in a single piece with the side flanges 18 and the recurrent flanges 19 being formed or rolled by forming process well known in the art.

Suitable interior bracing structure may also be provided to prevent buckling of unsupported areas of the panel, in the form shown in Figure 3 a cross brace 20 of the Z-bar type being connected across the center portion of the panel from one side flange 18 to the other.` A plurality of holes 21, 21 are suitably spaced at predetermined distances along each of the side and end flanges 18, 18 so as to accommodate bolts for connecting adjacent panels together.

It will be observed that the supporting portions of the panels comprising the flanged portions 18 form vertical stiflening and load-bearing studs of substantial width, and when bolted together to adjacent panels give the required strength and rigidity to support superimposed loads and stiffen the entire structure. The flanges 19 atthe inner edges of the side flanges 18y provide additional strength at this point, and also furnish a flat surface' against which the panels of insulation may be fitted, as for instance indicated at 19a in Figure 12. AThese inner flanges 19 also protect the bolts or other clamping devices, and prevent interference with'the insulation.

The top flange 18, associated recurrent flange 19, and the adjacent exterior panel surface 17 combine to act as a beam which carries to the load-bearing side flanges 18 the loads from superimposed floor or roof panels at the center of said top flange 18.

The insulation panels 19EL may be of any suitable stif or board type, preferably of non-inflammable material. 'Ihe edges of the insulation panels are rabbeted to flt around the edges of the recurrent flanges 19, as clearly shown in Figure 12. They are secured in place by any suitable means such as by mechanical means or a mastic adhesive. The insulation is preferably spaced at a distance from the inner surface of the metal surface 17, say a distance of one inch, so as to permit the running of electric conduit, and to prevent any possible condensation on the interior surface of the steel from damaging the insulation.

The vertical window panels indicated in detail in Figures 5, 6 and 10 `are generally of construction similar to the blank wall panels, but with the formation of a window frame which extends substantially the full width of the panels, and with the side portions of the window frames flanged inwardly as indicated at 22. Thus the structure of each side of the window panel including side flanges 18, window flange 22, inner flange 19 and a portion of the front face 13 surrounding the window, forms a rigid vertical supporting column along each side of the window panel as clearly shown in Figure 6. At the same time the extreme width of' the window opening permits two or more window panels tobe placed together as shown in Figure 1, so as to form, when combined, a long substantially uninterrupted window.

Internal bracing for unsupported areas of the window panels 13 can be utilized when desired, as for instance, as indicated at 23 and 24 where a Z-bar extends from the upper and lower margins of the window frame to the upper and lower flanges 18.

In the preferred form shown, the windows 22a employed in the window frames 22 are of the easement type, which type ts in particularly well with metallic panel structures such as herein employed. Said windows have hinged metallic frames 22b lled with glass 22c in the usual manner. It will be understood, however, that other types of window structures such as the ordinary vertical sliding type can be employed by making the necessary changes in the surrounding window flanges. The interior of the windows may be finished by a wooden frame 22d as indicated in Figure 10, which also forms a stop for the edges of the wall insulation.

The door panels 11 shown in detail section in Figure 11 are substantially the same in structure asl the window panels just described, excepting, of course, that the door opening extends to the lower end of the panel, leaving onlya relatively low bottom sill 11a which, together with the inwardly extending flange 25 outlining the door opening and. the adjacent panel flanges 18 and 19, form a relatively rigid lower margin of the door panel. The door itself may be of any suitable construction, in the form shown two hinged doors indicated generally at 26, 26 being provided.

Referring now to details of construction of the horizontal panels 4forming floors or roo'f of the building, a typical panel is illustrated in Figure 7. The entire panel is made up in a'single piece of sheet metal, formed in standard lengths and of uniform width. The maximum standard length is designed to span the full width of the building or from supporting wall to supporting wall. Where, however, the width exceeds approximately 30 feet, a plurality of lengths may be used, the inner ends being supported on columns or bearing partitions. Panels of fractional lengths may also be provided, where necessary. In width, the horizontal panels are preferably one-half the total width of any of the vertical wall panels 12, 13 or l1.

I find it generally satisfactory yto make the horizontal panels of the same strength and design for both roof and floors, but, of course, this practice may be varied from, where one type of panel may require greater strength' than the other. As has already been suggested, the full length floor and roof panels are usually made to extend lthe full width of the building, as is indicated in Figure 2. Said panels are provided with bolt holes 29B, 29a suitably spaced along side flanges 28 so as to permit connection to abutting panels. The ends of the horizontal panels are provided with apertures 30, 30 through the top surface 27' and apertures 31, 31 through the bottom flange 29 for connection with supporting and superimposed vertical panels, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

Suitable insulation (not shown) may be applied to the under surface of the horizontal panels in the same manner as utilized in connection with the vertical panels.

In connection with the vertical and horizontal panels already described, I provide certain auxiliary structural or decorative elements, as required to connect, piece out or embellish the vertical or horizontal panel structure. Among'the most important of such auxiliary structural elements are: a corner unit 14 which is provided to make ict transition at exterior corners of the building; a substantially similar corner unit 14* for interior corners; a cornice or coping member 15 to surround and finish 0R the roof o! the building, and a filler piece 16 (see Figure 8) utilized along the edges of or between the oor or roof panels when necessary to extend such panels for a width substantially equal tothat of the corner units. Details of these auxiliary elements will appear from the following description of the manner of assembly of the several building units in a-complete building.

The interior trim and decoration employed in connection with the insulation may, ot course, be varied widely as desired. For instance, the insulation about the interior of the window frames can be nished off by a wooden framework 22d forming the interior window frame and sill, as indicated in section in Figure 10.

Having now described the principal types of structural elements employed in my improved building system, the method of assembly of these elements will be readily understood, with special reference to Figures 1 and 2, and also to Figure 9, which shows a typical vertical section through one wall of the two-story building illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. A foundation 35 of concrete or other material is made in the Ausual manner, said foundation being provided Awith a plurality of upstanding bolts 36, 36 at proper intervals to t in apertures 31, 31 in the lower ilange 29 of the bottom floor panel 27. The floor panels are bolted together along lateral margins by means of bolts or similar clamping devices (not shown) passing through registering holes 29, 29* formed in abutting marginal .iianges 28, 28.

superimposed along .the extreme end edges of the horizontal iioor panels 27 is arranged a plurality of vertical panels, which may be of the blank wall type 12, as shown in Figure 9 or of the window or door type panel 13 or 11, as required by the architectural plan. The upright wall surface 17 of said wall panel lis preferably arranged ilush with the end ange 28a of the floor panel, and the wall and floor panels are connected together by suitable clamping means such as bolts passing through registering apertures 21 of the vertical panels and apertures 30 of the oor panels. are also bolted or clamped together, so as to form an entire course around the iirst floor of the building.

As a preferred means of connecting adjacent panels together with a weatherproof joint, I provide an improved construction illustrated in detail in Figure 12 in which each oi.' the bolts 40 isv provided with a washer 41 inserted between adjacent abutting surfaces of the p'anel flanges 18, 18. Thus where a plurality of connecting bolts are employed, their respective washers 41. 41 form spacers between each pair of adjacent panels which separate said panels slightly. Within this space I provide a suitable filler of weatherproof material such as a. mastic or elastic caulking compound for waterproofing each joint for substantially the entire width of the abutting anges 18, 1 8.

As ac preferred method of assembling adjacent parts, when a caulking compound is used, I find it desirable to apply the waterproong material to one or both surfaces of adjoining iianges before bolting them together. 'Ihen when the parts are assembled with the washers 41, 41 therebetween, the adjacent flanged surfaces are tightly drawn together and any excess waterproong course, usually coincides with the side margin of 'I'he adjacent vertical panels material may be squeezed. out so as to insure a uniform weatherproof connection along all joints. I also iind that the joints may be sealed by suitable strips of gasket material, either alone or in combination with a mastic waterprooiing material.

In order to flnish 0H the exterior corners of the building, I provide corner units such as indicated at 14, 14, each consisting of a squared column consisting of right angled outer anges 14", 1411,V inturned iianges 14, 14 connected to the outer flanges 14h, 14' and also at right angles to each other, but spaced apart at adjacent inner ends so as to form an opening 14d along the inner corner -of the column. Recurrent anges 14e along the sides of opening 14cl may also be provided.

Where such corner units 14 are employed, it will be observed (see Fig. 14) that they extend beyond the lateral margin of the next door or roof panel 27, the adjacent edge of which, of

the associated side wall panels which are connected to the opposite ends of said oor or roof panel. Consequently, I nd it desirable to provide a nller piece 16 of substantially the same horizontal width as the corner pieces 14, 14. The illler piece is of the same height and of flanged side construction similar to -the oor and roof panels 27, but serve to fill out the ooror roof to the full width of the building including the corner pieces 14, as is best indicated in detail in Figure 14. When a iiller piece is used along the wall of a buildingparallelto the length of the floor or roof panels, the supporting and superimposed vertical wall panels, 12, 13 or 11 are, of course, connected directly to said rlller piece, which is in turn connected horizontally to the next adjacent iioor or roof panel.

In order to providethe required load supporting strength for the ller piece when used between two courses of side wall panels, as 'just described, I provide a plurality of transverse webs 16, 16'L at suitable intervals along the interior of the illler piece as indicated in Figure 8. When said filler pieces are used at other portions of the structure, said vertical webs may be usually omitted. For instance, such a illler piece may be used between two interior floor panels 27, as indicated at 16h in Figure 2, when required to ll 125 out the width of an interior corner piece 14H.

The ends of the filler pieces 16 are preferably connected to horizontal plates 14f closing the f ends of the corner unit 14, as is best shown in The roof may .be mashed Awith a. fiat surface. 1-3

using the same Atype of horizontal panels 27 and illler pieces 16 as used for intermediate oors. The joints may be properly caulked in the same manner as described in connection with the wall panels or otherwise, so that no other waterproofing or separate rooting material need. be used. A cornice or curbing member 15 which, oi' course, may vary in ornamental form.- is fastened around the outside oi' the roof areato prevent water on the roof from down the outside of the 153 4 building. Drainage can be taken care of by down spouts arranged at suitable intervals around or through the roof.

Among the principal yadvantages of the building system as above described, is the simplicity and ease of erecting buildings in a wide variety of architecturaldesigns. After the main fioor plans are determined and the foundation prepared, the side wall and flooring panels may be readily and quickly fitted together with a minimum of cost and labor.

All skeleton framework usually employed is eliminated, the main vertical and horizontal panels being self-sustaining so as to aiord the required rigidity and strength. The flanged edges of the panels, when joined ltogether, afford substantially the same structural effects as the studs and joists usually employed in conventional types of build-ings.

In each of the three types of side wall panels, but especially in the blank wall and window panels, the metal plate forming the main surface of the panel acts as a stiffening plate in all directions in its own plane, thus giving rigidity to the building and minimizing distortion or swaying of the building due to wind pressures.

The frames of windows and doors are flanged in as fundamental parts of their respective panels, and form part of the load-bearing and vertical stiffening of said pieces.

The method of joining adjacent panels permits considerable-variation in minor discrepancies as to horizontal and vertical dimensions, due to the fact that the washers 4l, or their equivalent spacing elements, may be varied in thickness as required, and yet affording the desired strength'in vthe connection along adjacent flanges. These joints also afford a reasonable amount of flexi bility against expansion or contraction of the enftire framework so as to maintain proper waterproof characteristics under the usual variations in weather. x 'I'he insulation panels are so mounted along and completely cover the inner edges of the panel nanges as to abut adjacent insulation panels in alignment, and without permitting any metal to extend therethrough to the interior wall ofthe building. There is, therefore, no direct metal con-tact from the exterior to the interior of the building to which the metal might conduct cold where it would be the cause of condensation. The metallic contact from exterior to interior of the building is also broken by the wooden frames fitted around the metal flanged margins o-f the window and door openings of said window and door panels.

Although I have illustrated and described certain embodiments of Imy invention, it will be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the exact construction shown and described, Ibut that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim:

. l. In a building system and in combination, a plurality of side wall panels of uniform height and width adapted to extend a full story height, said panels consisting of metal sheets surrounded by right angle flanges, some of said panels being provided with a blank wall surface, others being provided with inwardly flanged window perforations and others being provided with inwardly flanged door perforations, but all of said panels being mutually interchangeable and connectible l to each other along adjacent side margins, and

a plurality of horizontal floor panels of substantially the same width as said Wall panels or an even fraction thereof, said floor panels having right angle flanges along sides and ends thereof, and recurrent flanges along said last named I=fianges, and means connecting the end margins of said wall panels to said recurrent flanges of said floor panels to form a supporting connection between said wall and floor panels.

2. In a building system, a vertical wall panel unit made of a sheet metal face Asurrounded with inwardly turned right angle flanges, connecting means spaced about said flanges adapted for clamping to similar adjacent flanged panels, said panel having an aperture in said outside face defined by an inwardly extending flange disposed closely adjacent the side margin of said outside surface and forming with said outside face and right angle flange a substantially rectangular strengthening column for the adjacent side of said panel.

3. In a building system, a vertical wall panel made of a sheet metal face surrounded with inwardly turned right anglel flanges, connecting means spaced about said flanges adapted for clamping to similar adjacent flanged panels, recurrent ilanges along the inner end of said right angle flanges arranged substantially parallel with the outside face of said panel, said panel having an aperture in said outside face formed by an inwardly extending ange disposed closely adjacent the side margin of said outside face and forming with said outside face, right angle flange and recurrent ange a substantially rectangular strengthening column for the adjacent side of said panel.

4. In a building system and in combinatiom a plurality of interchangeable side wall panels of uniform width and height extending a full story height, a plurality of horizontally disposed sheet metal panels connectible at their opposite ends to adjacent wall panels, corner units comprising rectangular hollow sheet metal posts of substantially the same horizontal width as the thickness of said wall panels, a sheet metal horizontally disposed ller piece formed substantially the same height as said horizontal panels and of the same width as said corner units, means connecting said corner units to the outermost edges of said side Wall panels, with said filler pieces being disposed between said corner pieces along the side of the outermost horizontal panel, and means also directly connecting the adjacent end edges of said wall panels to said ller piece beyond the side margin of said outermost horizontal panel.

5. In a building lsystem and in combination, a row of interchangeable side wall panels in horizontalalignment with each other, one portion of said row being arrangedat a right angle to another portion to form a side and end of a building, a plurality of parallel horizontally disposed floor panels of the same width of said side wall panels, or an even fraction thereof, said horizontal panels having right angled flanged margins at sides and ends, means connecting one portion of said row of side wall panels to the ends of said horizontal panels, a corner piece comprising an upright post of substantially the same width as the thickness of said side wall panels and connected to adjacent side `panels at the. corner of said building, a hollow sheet metal filler piece formed substantially the same height as said floor panels and the same width as said corner units, transversely disposed strengthening webs disposed in spaced relation within said filler piece,

means connecting said iiller piece along the outer margin of the outermost noor panel at one side' of the building, and means connecting the superimposed portion of the row o! side wall panels directly to said filler piece whereby the latter connecting said flanged portionstogether comprising a plurality of spaced clamping devices extending through saidabutting flanges and adjustable from the inner faces thereof, spacers adapted to be interposed between said abutting) flanged surfaces ladjacent said clamping devices, and a waterproof caulking filler adapted to be applied tc said abutting flanged surfaces before they are fully clamped together, said spacers being adapted to leave a space for said iiller'between adjacent anged surfaces after said surfaces have been drawn together by said clamping devices. v

7. In a building structure, a vertical wall panel providing a load-supporting element extending l a full story height of said structure, said panel being formed of sheet metal surrounded with an inwardly turned right angle flange, the side flanges being adapted for connection to similar adjacent anges panels, said panel having a. window or door opening in the outside face thereof,

said opening extending substantially the full width of said panel and having its side margins deiined by an inwardly extending flange disposed closely adjacent the right angle flange of `said panel, said right angle flange, inwardly extending flange and the outer face of said panel forming a vertical supporting column at each side of saidpanel. i

8. In a building system, a wall panel unit made of a pressed sheet metal face surrounded by right angle ilanges and continuous recurrent flanges extending from the inner corners of said right 4angle flanges substantially parallel with said panel face, and an insulation 'sheet having its edges overlying said recurrent'anges, and means `securing the lateral margins of said sheet to said panel, with said margins substantially ush with the adjacent side surfaces of said right angle flanges, whereby similar panel units may be secured laterally to said panel units, with their respective insulation relation.

9. In a building system, a vertical wall panel unit made o1' a pressed sheet metal face sur rounded with an inwardly turned right .angle ilange, connecting means spaced about said ange adapted for clamping to similar adjacent flange panels, recurrent anges extending from the inner corners of said right angle anges substantially parallel with said panel face, insulation means extending over said recurrent flanges and having its lateral margins covering the outer face oi.' said recurrent flanges and means securing said insulation means to said panel solely along the margin of said insulationmeans. v

I, 10. In a building system, a vertical wall panel made of a sheet metal face surrounded with an inwardly turned right angle flange, connecting means 'spaced about said Aflange adapted for 'clamping to similar adjacent flanges, recurrent flanges extending from the inner corners of said right angle anges arranged substantially parallel with the outside face of said panel,.and insulation means comprising a. self-sustaining panel having a rabbeted edge tting over the inner surface of said recurrent flanges and means securing said insulation panel toy said wall panel with the lateral margins of said insulation panel substantially ilush-with the adjacent side surface of said right angle ilanges.

HOWARD T. FrsrmR.

sheets in mutually abutting l lao 

